AUGUST 21, 2024 – Army Lt. Gen. Jonathan M. Stubbs, acting chief of the National Guard Bureau, today said he is intent on maintaining stability in that branch of service until a successor to the previous chief is confirmed by Congress.
Speaking remotely to the 53rd annual conference of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, Stubbs likened his role as acting director to that of a supporter of talented Olympic athletes.
“I do not intend to make waves or push a new agenda in this role. We will maintain our focus on people, readiness, modernization and reform,” Stubbs told attendees of the Detroit conference.
Saying that his job is to maintain stability during a time of transition, Stubbs said senior National Guard leaders are listening to concerns from the enlisted ranks.
“Since I’ve been in this role, I can tell you your leadership hears you,” Stubbs said.
“They hear your fears and your frustrations; they hear your concerns and the concerns of your families; and every day, they’re fighting to do what’s right, to take care of you, our people, who make everything we do possible.”
Stubbs then reemphasized the Guard’s effort to maintain its focus on people, readiness, modernization and reform.
“[This] includes reforming our processes and procedures — the ones you told us need changing,” Stubbs explained, while encouraging those in attendance to continue engaging their leadership at all levels.
“Keep those lines of communication open, and be open to the possibility of change,” Stubbs encouraged the crowd.
Stubbs then said that, despite all of the present-day uncertainty, tension and transition, the National Guard stands ready to meet all challenges.
“We’re the National Guard. This is what we’re built for,” he said. “Whatever the mission throws at us, we rise to meet it and exceed it.”
Stubbs backed that statement by listing some of the Guard’s recent accomplishments, including the massive humanitarian aid response to the COVID-19 pandemic; coming to the aid of flood victims in Kentucky in 2022; and rescuing hundreds of stranded campers during California’s Creek Fire in 2020.
“It’s not just the people to your left and right who are counting on you;” Stubbs said, “it’s the entire nation.”
Stubbs wrapped up his remarks by saying that he is honored to serve as acting chief and that he’s proud to be a National Guardsman.
“The state of our world may be dangerous and dynamic, but the state of our Guard is strong,” Stubbs said. “And you make it so.”
Having received Senate confirmation as director of the Army National Guard in late July, Stubbs took on the additional role of acting chief Aug. 5.
That additional appointment followed the retirement of National Guard Bureau Chief Army Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson.
By Matthew Olay, DOD News